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FORUM HOUSE RABBIT Q & A Bunny housing dilemma

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    • Pipandwinston
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        Hello, I have 2 bunnies. A 1.5 year old netherland dwarf male (Winston) and a 11 month old dwarf/lop female (Pip) Both are fixed and I have had the female since she was 8 weeks and the male for the last 6 months. They bonded well and in general are friendly. We recently moved in with my partner and discovered he is fairly allergic to them and their hay when indoors so we went about building an outdoor enclosure. I am torn because we really don’t have enough space and I just feel so bad for the bunnies. They like their hutch and I am trying to find a way to get them more room for exercise  and exploration. So far harness and leashes are not going very well. I love my bunnies but I know they are not as haply as they used to be and are even starting to be a bit aggressive with me which they never have been in the past. I recently posted them on kijiji only to a good home because I just feel sad to not be able to give them the space they deserve. I  don’t want to get rid of them but worry I may be being selfish because I love them and want them to be happy. I am trying to find a way to maximize their space and keep them. Any ideas


      • DanaNM
        Moderator
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          Is that a picture of their enclosure on the right? If so, it is is not safe for them. Chicken wire does not keep predators out, they can rip or chew through it. Also, if you are in an area with RHDV2 (see the pinned post about this), housing outside is dangerous if they aren’t vaccinated. There are some examples of safe and appropriate outdoor housing ideas here: https://binkybunny.com/bunnyinfo/safe-outdoor-runs/

          Most people who house outdoors have a combo of a secure hutch and a run. A rabbit isn’t likely to really get the right type of exercise on a harness, and they can injure themselves very easily if they panic while wearing one.

          Do you know if your partner is mostly allergic to the hay, or to them? Many people with allergies have found that orchard grass is a lot less allergenic than timothy. You can also make simple hepa filters using a MERV 13 air filter and a box fan. I have several of these set up and they seem to really help (my sister in law is very allergic and spent some time in our house without issues).

          If all of that doesn’t help, then I agree that rehoming may be the best option.

          . . . The answers provided in this discussion are for general guideline purposes only. The information is not intended to diagnose or treat your pet. Seek the advice of your veterinarian or a qualified behaviorist.  

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      FORUM HOUSE RABBIT Q & A Bunny housing dilemma